The Boston Athletic Association suggests all racers use official B.A.A. buses to get to the start on race morning. Buses run between 6:00 and 7:30 a.m., loading on the Tremont Street side of Boston Common in the city's Back Bay area. It is recommended that runners board buses according to their bib numbers: Numbers 1 - 8,999 should load between 6:00 and 6:30 a.m., numbers 9,000 - 17,999 between 6:30 and 7:00 a.m., while bibs 18,000 and higher should begin boarding at 7:00 and be on board buses no later than 7:30 a.m.

Runners must show their bib number before boarding the buses, which are only available for official runners. Family and friends will need to secure their own transportation to the start.

What is the weather like, historically?

The weather can vary dramatically on race day. Cold, wind, and rain combined to slow runners in 2007, as a major storm moved through New England. In 2005, however, the temperature at the start was 70°F, with clear skies. On average, Boston experiences daytime highs in the mid-50s in April.

How big is the field this year?With the new registration process, a total of around 27,000 entrants were accepted. Registration for the 2011 Boston Marathon closed in only eight hours.

Most likely, yes. But, you might place a call to see if there are any openings. MarathonTours.com has a listing of hotels and phone numbers.

What's the deal with the start corrals?

Corral placement is assigned according to bib numbers (based on qualifying time). Your starting corral is printed beneath your runner's number on your bib. You are only allowed to move back to a higher numbered corral; forward movement is prohibited.

Where and when is the race expo?

The John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo will be held at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston. The expo is home to bib number and packet pick-up for all registered runners. There will be no race-day number distribution. Hours are as follows:

Friday, April 13 ... 2:00 p.m.—7:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 14 ... 8:00 a.m.—7:00 p.m.

Sunday, April 15 ... 9:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m.

As usual, Runner's World will have a strong presence in Boston for marathon weekend. Check back for a schedule of where we'll be, and when.

--Water and Gatorade Endurance Formula (lemon/lime flavor) along the course

--First aid / medical facilities along the course and at the finish area

--Athlete tracking

--A finisher's medal upon finishing the marathon before 4:45 p.m.

--A mylar blanket

--Baggage and dressing area (no showers)

--Massage

--Family meeting area

--Admission to the Awards Ceremony

--Complimentary ticket for the Post-Race Party

--Results postcard providing all 5Km split information, official and net times

--Finisher's certificate (mailed during the summer)

--Results book (mailed over the summer)

How many aid stations are along the course?

Aid stations are located every at every other mile, beginning with mile 2. Water and sports drink will be available at every aid station, as well as at the start and finish areas. G Series Pro Endurance Formula will be available at miles six, 9.5, and 10.5, and PowerBar Gel will be provided near mile six.

Can I run with an MP3 player, such as an iPod?

Although the B.A.A. discourages the use of personal music devices and headphones, they are allowed except for those athletes eligible for prize money.

How many medical tents are available to participants?

First aid and medical support is available approximately every mile of the course. In addition, a medical tent will be set up at the start and areas will be set up to provide medical support at the finish area.What are the best spots for spectators along the course?Spectators may choose to view the race from locations along the course easily serviced by the MBTA subway or commuter rail lines. Common locations include Kenmore Square (one mile from the finish), Boston College (22nd mile), and Wellesley College (the race's midpoint).

Are Porta-Potties available on the course?Portable restrooms will be located each fluid and first aid stations, beginning at mile 2.

What's the best way to reunite with my friends or family after the race?A family meeting area will be set up near the finish, beginning on Stuart Street, continuing on Clarendon and finishing along St. James Avenue. Look for the large signs with letters corresponding to your designated meeting location. An alternative is to select a meeting location away from the crowded finish area.

Who won the race last year, and in what time?Geoffrey Mutai of Kenya captured the men's racein a time of 2:03:02 - a new course record and the fastest marathon ever run; Kenya's Caroline Kilel finished first among women in 2:22:36.

Do I need to re-qualify to run next year if I've registered for 2012 but cannot participate?For the 2013 Boston Marathon, qualifying times are more stringent, and must be run on or after September 24, 2011. Like the 2012 registration process, the acceptance of official race entrants will be based on qualifying times, with the fastest qualifiers (in relation to the qualifying time for their age and gender) being accepted first until the race is full. For more on qualifying standards, visit this page on baa.org.

Will the race be broadcast?Yes, the race will be shown nationally on Universal Sports, and in the Boston area on WBZ-TV, channel 4. Online, UniversalSports.com will have coverage of the race.

Can my family and friends track me from home?The B.A.A. will provide race splits at every 5 kilometers on its website. Family and friends visiting the website on race day can view your splits by entering your name or bib number.

Also, AT&T Athlete Alert will let subscribers get text message alerts when a runner reaches the start, 10-K, half marathon, 30-K mark, and finish line of the race.

Help! I don't see my question on this page!Check out the Boston Marathon's own FAQ page, here. Good luck!

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